Standing up for your wife in public - how do you handle disrespect?

Had a situation at dinner last week where a friend's husband made an inappropriate comment about my wife's work. Not gonna repeat it but it was dismissive and frankly rude. I don't like making scenes but I also wasn't about to let that slide. I calmly told him that wasn't cool and we probably shouldn't talk like that. The table got quiet but my wife squeezed my hand under the table. A man has to protect his family's honor, even when it's awkward. That's just the code. Curious if other guys handle these moments differently.